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The History of Effanbee Dolls

Effanbee's best-known doll was "Patsy," who appeared in the late 1920s. She was a three-year-old girl with a trendy bob hair cut. Later Effanbee introduced friends for Patsy and a boyfriend named "Skippy."

Debut
- Bernard Lipfert designed the iconic Patsy doll in 1927. She was originally called "Mimi" in early advertising campaigns.
Wardrobe
- Effanbee produced a series of clothes designed specifically for Patsy, making her one of the first dolls to come with her own wardrobe.
Themes
- Effanbee created themed clothing for its dolls to coincide with national events. George and Martha Washington costumes were available for Washington's 200th birthday, and war uniforms were popular during World War II.
Decline
- Noma Electric purchased Effanbee in 1946. The company was bought and sold many times over the next 50 years.
Rebirth
- Effanbee was in bankruptcy when the Robert Tonner Doll Company purchased the company in 2002. Effanbee dolls continue to be treasured collectibles.

Collecting Vintage Toys